Diary of a Cat Mom

By Dagmar Gatell — Creator & Host of Diary of a Cat Mom

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

  1. 2d ago

    Coping With Anticipatory Grief While My Cat Is Still Here (Chronic Illness & Kidney Disease) | Ep. 130

    What do you do when you're already grieving a pet who hasn't died yet? In this episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, podcast host Dagmar Gatell opens up about anticipatory grief — the heavy, confusing sadness that shows up while your cat is still curled up beside you, still breathing, still here. Dagmar is currently caring for two cats moving through chronic illness at the same time: Snow White, her ragdoll-eyed rescue of 11 years now managing thyroid and kidney disease, and Baby, a former community cat who came inside after a medical emergency involving seizures, weight loss, and an FIV diagnosis. This episode covers what anticipatory grief actually is, why "not dying" doesn't mean "okay," how to recognize and avoid caregiver burnout while managing a multi-cat household and a business, and the simple grounding practice — "stop and pet the cats" — that helps Dagmar stay calm, present, and connected during the hardest season of loving her cats. If you're a cat mom or pet parent walking through chronic illness, kidney disease, or end-of-life care with your own pet, this episode will help you feel less alone. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode What anticipatory grief is and why it's valid even when your pet isn't actively dyingHow chronic illness (thyroid disease, kidney disease, FIV) creates a slow, ongoing grief processWhy "she's not dying today" and "she's okay" aren't the same thingReal signs of caregiver burnout in multi-cat households — and how to catch it earlyFive practical ways to stay sustainable while caring for a chronically ill catThe "stop and pet the cats" practice for staying calm, present, and regulated so your cat feels safe too Timestamps 00:00 — Intro: Living with anticipatory grief right now01:05 — Chapter 1: What Is Anticipatory Grief?02:35 — Chapter 2: Snow White's Story04:20 — Chapter 3: When Not Dying Isn't the Same as Being Okay05:10 — Chapter 4: Baby's Story07:00 — Chapter 5: Avoiding Caregiver Burnout08:40 — Chapter 6: Stop and Pet the Cats09:50 — Outro & Final ThoughtsDiary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

  2. Aug 4

    Outdoor Cat Shelter for Feral Cats: How I Built a Hurricane-Safe Shelter They'd Actually Use | Ep. 129

    When hurricane season hit Florida, food and water weren't enough to keep my feral cat family safe. This Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode walks through every outdoor cat shelter I tried — from wooden cat houses to DIY coolers — and the one surprising discovery that finally got my feral cats to shelter together during a hurricane. If you're caring for feral cats, community cats, or backyard cats and need a hurricane-safe or winter-ready outdoor cat shelter, this episode gives you the exact setup that worked. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why "pretty" outdoor cat shelters often fail feral cats during real stormsThe difference between a rain-proof shelter and a hurricane-safe shelterWhy feral cats often prefer group shelter over separate housesHow to combine a livestock shelter with a simple divided crate for maximum safetyA low-cost, no-electricity way to keep outdoor cats warm in winter Timestamps & Chapters (Total runtime: 6:07) 00:00 — Introduction: A hurricane warning and three cats outside00:39 — How the feral cat family started visiting01:29 — TNR: trapping, spay/neuter, ear-tipping, and release01:57 — When Florida's rainy season changed everything02:22 — The search for the right outdoor cat shelter begins02:47 — The handmade pine cat house that looked perfect03:26 — Why the cats wouldn't use it during the hurricane03:54 — Adding a livestock shelter — the first real clue04:27 — The discovery: cats wanted to stay together, not separated04:52 — The final solution: a divided wooden crate, straw, and self-warming blankets05:25 — What the cats taught me about safety05:50 — Quick recap: how to build this shelter yourselfDiary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

  3. Aug 1

    Spend Less Time in Angry Land: How Your Energy Shapes Your Cats' World | Ep. 128

    Do your cats ever seem to feel your mood before you even say a word? In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share a moment I'm not proud of: I had a stressful day, a hard conversation with a friend, and I read something online that annoyed me — and even though none of it had anything to do with my cats, I carried all of it straight into feeding time, litter box duty, and playtime with them. I call it visiting Angry Land. But my cats weren't in Angry Land with me. They live in Happy Cat Land — excited for breakfast, curious about a toy, purring the moment I sit on the floor with them. They weren't carrying my stressful email or my disagreement with a friend. They were just happy we were together. This episode is about the moment I realized I could consciously close the door on Angry Land and walk into Happy Cat Land instead — and how that one shift changed the way feeding, litter box cleaning, and playtime feel every single day. What You'll Learn in This Cat Podcast Episode Why cats pick up on your energy faster than they respond to your wordsThe difference between reacting to your day and being present with your catsHow stress and frustration can quietly spill into everyday cat careA simple mental shift ("Angry Land" vs. "Happy Cat Land") to reset your moodWhy a calm, peaceful home starts with the humans in it, not the catsThis episode is a personal reflection on energy and living with cats and is not medical, veterinary, or behavioral advice. Timestamps & Chapters 0:00 Welcome to Diary of a Cat Mom0:36 Bringing a Stressful Day Into Cat Time1:31 Why Everything Feels Worse in "Angry Land"1:56 Choosing to Walk Into "Happy Cat Land"2:40 What Changed When I Chose Calm Over Stress3:02 Closing Thoughts & Cuddle ReminderDiary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

  4. Jul 31

    I Love Pastries, But I Love My Cat Mom Life More | Ep. 127

    When Snow White's veterinarian switched her to a renal support diet for her developing kidney disease, I realized something unexpected. If I'm asking my cat to eat food that gives her the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life… shouldn't I be asking myself the same question? In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share how one small change in Snow White's diet inspired me to rethink my own habits—and why taking care of ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give our cats. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why Snow White's new diet became a wake-up call for me.How caring for your cat can inspire healthier choices for yourself.Why your own health matters as much as your cat's.How small daily habits can help both of you enjoy more years together.Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Introduction00:16 Snow White's new renal support diet00:46 The realization that changed my thinking01:20 Why cat moms need to care for themselves too02:05 Choosing healthier habits for both of us02:35 Final thoughtsDiary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

  5. Jul 30

    Why Daily Rituals Make Cats Feel Loved | It's 3 O'Clock Somewhere | Ep. 126

    What if one of the best gifts you could give your cat is simply your time? In Germany, three o'clock has long been associated with coffee and cake—a daily tradition of slowing down and enjoying a quiet break. Over the years, I realized I had unknowingly created my own version of that tradition with my cats. Every afternoon, I step away from my computer, make myself a cup of tea, and spend a few peaceful minutes with my cats. They know exactly what time it is. They follow me through the house, waiting for cuddles, slow blinks, treats, or simply a little conversation. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share why these small daily rituals matter so much—not only for our own well-being, but also for helping our cats feel safe, loved, and included in our lives. Sometimes the smallest moments become the most meaningful. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why cats thrive on predictable daily routines.How taking regular breaks benefits both you and your cat.Why small daily rituals strengthen the bond between cats and their humans.How consistency helps cats feel safe and secure.Why being fully present matters more than doing more.Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Germany's Coffee and Cake Tradition00:31 My Daily Ritual with My Cats01:02 Why My Cats Love This Routine01:33 Why Routines Make Cats Feel Safe02:02 It's About Making Time, Not the Cake02:25 Give Your Cats a CuddleDiary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

  6. Jul 30

    What Keeps Me Going as a Cat Mom | Ep. 125

    Some days being a cat mom feels incredibly hard. Between migraines, exhaustion, worrying about future illnesses, and unexpected vet visits, there are moments when I wonder how I keep going. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share what always brings me back to my purpose: remembering that so many of the cats I've cared for were once abandoned, forgotten, or no longer wanted. Every day, I simply try to give them a life where they feel safe, loved, respected, and wanted. If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough for your cat, I hope this episode reminds you that love is found in showing up every single day. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why purpose helps me through difficult days as a cat mom.Why every cat deserves to feel wanted.How small everyday acts of love matter more than perfection.Why being present is one of the greatest gifts we can give our cats.Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 – What keeps me going as a cat mom?00:28 – Remembering the cats who were abandoned01:02 – Doing the best I can today01:40 – Finding my purpose as a cat mom02:18 – The love that makes it worthwhile02:52 – Every cat deserves to feel wantedDiary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

  7. Jul 28

    What Would Life Be Without Cats? | Ep. 124

    One unexpected veterinary visit reminded me just how much my cats mean to me. What started as a routine appointment quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency for one of my cats. Sitting in the veterinary clinic, waiting and hoping, I found myself asking a question that completely changed my perspective: What would life be without cats? In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share how that frightening experience reminded me that my cats are much more than pets. They give my days structure, purpose, responsibility, companionship, and unconditional love. If you've ever looked at your cat and realized how much they have changed your life, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why a veterinary emergency changed my perspective.How cats give our lives purpose and routine.Why caring for another living being is such a meaningful responsibility.How difficult moments help us recognize what truly matters.Why gratitude can grow even during frightening experiences.Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 An unexpected trip to the veterinarian00:35 Facing a life-threatening emergency01:12 Realizing how much my cats mean to me01:50 The purpose and joy my cats bring to my life02:23 Focusing on what truly matters02:43 Could you imagine life without your cat?Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

  8. Jul 25

    Being Responsible For a Cat | What Does It Really Mean? | Ep. 123

    After a difficult week filled with unexpected vet visits, medical diagnoses, and caring for Snow White's changing health needs, I found myself reflecting on what it truly means to love and care for another living being. Being a cat mom isn't just about the happy moments. It's about showing up through the uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and appreciating every day we have together. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share why our cats remind us that life is fragile—and why that makes every moment even more meaningful. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode What being responsible for a cat really meansWhy loving a cat also means accepting uncertaintyHow difficult vet visits changed my perspectiveWhy gratitude matters more than worrying about the futureHow cats teach us to appreciate the present momentTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 Introduction00:18 When a routine vet visit changes everything00:54 What being responsible for a cat really means01:37 Accepting the uncertainty that comes with love02:22 Choosing gratitude and living in the present03:00 Final thoughts and question for cat momsDiary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

About

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

You Might Also Like